Blames a Culture of Lax Oversight, Says She Will Create a New Safety Agency

SEOUL—South Korean President Park Geun-hye apologized for the government's handling of the recent ferry disaster as she struggled to contain the political fallout from one of the country's worst maritime disasters.

Ms. Park's apology came as the confirmed death toll from the tragedy rose above 200.

Patriarch of Family That Controls Ferry Operator Denies Role Prime Minister Resigns Over Ferry Sinking